8th Circuit court won't reopen Meskwaki casino

A three-judge panel of the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday turned down a request to reopen the Meskwaki Tribe's casino in Iowa.

The panel appointed a federal mediator to resolve the dispute between two competing councils and the National Indian Gaming Commission, which ordered the casino shutdown. The court's order directed Chief Magistrate Judge Jarvey "to discuss with the parties all possible resolutions, including the possibility of the appointment of a third party trustee or management company to operate the casino while the inter-tribal dispute is resolved."

The panel also expedited review of the case. Final briefs are due July 3. Oral arguments are expected shortly thereafter, the court said.